Adaptable sports footwear

ABSTRACT

A boot adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, in which the heel of the boot is free during movement of the foot, the front end of the boot being provided with an element for fastening to the apparatus. The boot includes a base and an adaptation structure having a first portion to be fixed in a front zone of the base, and a second portion to be fixed in a rear zone of the base, each of which can be removably fixed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 12/03259and French Patent Application No. 12/03261, both filed Nov. 30, 2012,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference thereto intheir entireties, and the priorities of which are claimed under 35U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an article of footwear, such as a boot, adaptedto be reversibly retained or fixed to a sports apparatus, and relatesmore particularly to a boot intended for winter sports.

Such article of footwear can be used in fields such as cross-countryskiing, telemark skiing, snowshoeing, and the like.

2. Background Information

A boot from the aforementioned family includes an outer sole assembly,an upper, and a fastening element; the latter being adapted to cooperatewith a locking mechanism, itself adapted to be affixed to the apparatus.The fastening element and the locking mechanism form a fasteningassembly that is often provided to retain the boot reversibly on theapparatus.

For example, in cross-country skiing, each locking mechanism istypically capable of retaining or releasing a boot, thereby enabling theuser to selectively operate the skis, or to walk.

FIG. 1 shows a known assembly comprising a boot 1, a ski 2, and a device3 for retaining the boot on the ski.

The retaining device 3 comprises a base 4 carrying a reversible lockingmechanism 5, an elastic return mechanism 6, and a longitudinal guidingrib 7. For example, it is possible to affix the locking mechanism 5, thereturn mechanism 6 and the guiding rib 7 to the base 4, so that theretaining device 3 is coherent, i.e., the individual components areintegrated into a single device. As a matter of background, furtherinformation relating to exemplary devices of this type, including thecomponents thereof, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,050 and U.S.Pat. No. 7,644,947, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference thereto in their entireties.

The boot 1 comprises an outer sole assembly 12 and an upper 13.

The boot 1 further comprises a fastening element 25 adapted to cooperatewith the retaining device 3, the retaining device itself adapted to beaffixed to the ski 2. The fastening element 25 cooperates with thelocking mechanism 5 and the elastic return mechanism 6.

The sole assembly 12, shown in more detail in a bottom view in FIG. 2,also extends height-wise, or depth-wise, between an outer surface 18 anda connecting surface 19. The outer surface 18 is adapted to be turnedtoward the ground, the retaining device 3, or the ski 2.

The connecting surface 19 is used to affix the sole assembly 12 to theremainder of the boot by gluing.

The fastening element 25 is connected to the outer sole assembly 12, sothat it can selectively be affixed thereto, or separated therefrom.

As explained in the document FR 2968898 and in family member US2012/0151801, the fastening element 25, and the rods or pins 26, 27thereof, can be dissembled and reassembled, as desired, for example toreplace it, or to change its position in relation to the sole assembly12.

A boot of this type, and in general, known boots, have a limitation thatis their inability to adapt to various types of equipment. Inparticular, there are two large families in the field of cross-countryskis, namely the NNN® (“New Nordic Norm”) family and the SNS® (“SalomonNordic System”) family. A boot provided with structures for connectionto skis from one the two aforementioned types cannot be used for theother type, thus requiring from the user to have two pairs of boots ifhe/she wishes to freely use both types ski.

Another drawback is that of the longitudinal flexibility of the bootalong a transverse axis thereof. This flexibility is inherent in themanufacture of the boot and cannot be adjusted as needed by the user.

Yet another drawback is that of the number of molds required to make asole for a boot of this type. Indeed, this number ranges between about 8and 15, depending upon the number of sizes to produce, each mold havingan indicative unit cost between 10 and 40 k

(approximately $13,500-$54,000).

Still another drawback lies in the wear on the portions that are incontact with the ground, the ski, or the snowshoe. The wear on theseportions requires replacement of the entire boot.

SUMMARY

In view of the preceding, the present application discloses a bootadapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding orrolling apparatus, for example skis or snowshoes, in which the heel ofthe boot is free during movement of the foot, the front end of the bootbeing provided with an element for fastening to the device, this bootcomprising a base.

The boot further comprises adaptation structure, comprising a firstportion to be fixed in a front zone of the base of the boot, in relationto a direction of extension of the foot, i.e., the length of the foot,and second portion to be fixed in a rear zone of the base of the boot,in relation to such direction of extension of the foot, each portionbeing capable of being removably fixed in relation to the base. This isto adapt the boot, for example, to a first type of interface of contactwith the apparatus, or to a second type of interface of contact with theapparatus, different from the first type of contact interface, or to anyother type of interface.

The rolling or gliding apparatus may be ski, as indicated above, butmore generally an apparatus for moving on snow or ice, or on a naturalsurface and/or a synthetic surface, such as an asphalt-covered surface.

Depending upon the wear on the constituent portions of the adaptationstructure, and/or the technical constraints imposed on the user, such asthe presence of a specific type of retaining device and/or standard, ora specific type of ski or apparatus, the user is able to adapt thesestructures easily, without it being necessary to change the boot.

The two front and rear portions may be affixed to one another, forexample connected by a base/blade, which may or may not be flexible, inorder not to interfere with the bending of the boot.

The first type of contact interface may be with a single longitudinalrib, the first portion and/or second portion of the adaptation structureeach comprising a longitudinal groove adapted to receive at least aportion of the single longitudinal rib.

The second type of contact interface can be with at least twolongitudinal ribs, or even n longitudinal ribs, n being greater thantwo, the first portion and/or second portion of the adaptation structureeach comprising at least two, or n, longitudinal grooves, each groovebeing adapted to receive at least a portion of one of the two, or of n,longitudinal ribs.

According to other examples, a contact interface comprises at least onetransverse rib and/or at least one stud, the first portion or secondportion of the adaptation means comprising at least one transversegroove or at least one opening, each groove or each opening beingadapted to receive a transverse rib or a stud.

The base of the boot may have flexibility along a direction of extensionof the foot, i.e., along the length of the foot, when positioned in theboot.

The base may comprise a flexion blade, such flexion blade havingflexibility along a direction of extension of the foot, and aconstruction that fastens the adaptation structure against the blade.

The base, or flexion blade, may be substantially flat, or it may alsocomprise walls, and possibly a stiffener-forming portion for supportingthe rear portion of the upper or the liner of a boot. In a non-limitingfashion, the stiffener is an outer subdivision of the boot.Alternatively, however, the stiffener could be covered with anotherelement and, as a result, the stiffener would be set back in relation tothe outside of the boot.

Removable structure may further be provided to vary the flexibility ofthe base or flexion blade, such structure comprising, for example, oneor more inserts and/or one or more rods and/or one or more plates orblades to be inserted into, or against, such base.

Structure may be provided for fixing the adaptation structure inrelation to the base, for example screws, slides, or snap-fasteners, inone position or a plurality of discrete or continuous positions.

In a particular embodiment, at least one contact interface comprises asurface of the apparatus itself, the first portion and/or second portionof the adaptation structure comprising at least one longitudinal groove.Each groove may have a width at least equal to the width of theapparatus.

More generally speaking, the first portion and/or second portion of theadaptation structure has a transverse cross-section whose profile iscomplementary to a profile of a transverse cross-section of a retainingdevice, of an interface element between the boot and the apparatus, orof the apparatus itself. In any case, the idea is to adapt the boot tothe apparatus.

The invention also relates to a boot, adapted for the practice of asporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, in which theheel of the boot is free during movement of the foot, the front end ofthe boot being provided with an element for fastening to the apparatus,the boot comprising a base, and adaptation structure, to be removablyfixed in a front zone of the base of the boot, in relation to adirection of the extension of the foot, in order to adapt the boot to afirst type of contact interface of the apparatus, or to a second type ofcontact interface of the apparatus, different from the first type ofcontact interface, the rear portion of the base being adapted to restdirectly or indirectly on a surface of contact interface of theapparatus. This means that the base, depending upon the configuration,can rest directly on the apparatus or, alternatively, on an interfaceplate, on the base of a retaining device, or on both the plate and thebase, if they are superimposed.

The front portion and rear portion of the adaptation structure may havedifferent heights.

The front portion and/or rear portion of the adaptation structure mayhave a surface, adapted to come into contact with the base, forming anon-zero angle with the opposite surface, adapted to come into contactwith, or to be turned toward, the apparatus. This assembly is obtainedin at least one direction.

In a boot as described above, or as described in one of the abovealternative embodiments, the adaptation structure may comprise firstremovable structure for adapting the boot to the first type of contactinterface of a ski, of a snowshoe, or of another apparatus, and secondremovable structure for adapting the boot to the second type of contactinterface of a ski, of a snowshoe, or of another apparatus.

A boot as described above may be of a shell-type, made of one, two, orthree portions, receiving a liner or an upper mounted, for example witha removable front and/or rear end-piece, in relation to the base. It mayalso be a Strobel-mounted upper receiving a glued base, itself receivingthe adaptation structure.

In general, the contact interface of the apparatus may comprise a devicefor retaining or fastening the boot, adapted to cooperate with the frontend thereof, or may be a surface of the apparatus itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will betterunderstood from the description that follows, with reference to theannexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, howthe invention can be embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembly comprising a boot, aswell as a ski shown partially and a device for retaining the boot on theski;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective bottom view of the outer sole assembly ofthe boot of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate other embodiments of the front removablestructure;

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate other embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7A, 7B show front and rear elements provided for a ski of the NNN®type;

FIGS. 8A, 8B are rear views of a boot equipped according to the twotypes of families, SNS® and NNN®;

FIGS. 8C, 8D are front views of a boot equipped according to the twotypes of families, SNS® and NNN®;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an assembly comprising a boot, aswell as a base and removable structure according to the invention;

FIGS. 10A, 10B illustrate various removable structures according to theinvention, in cooperation with a bending base;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12 show removable structures according to the invention,in a unitary, single-piece construction;

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C show flexible bases with structure for adaptingflexibility;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G, 14H show other types of bootsto which the invention can be applied;

FIGS. 15A, 15A1, 15B show other configurations of ski and adaptationstructures according to the invention, as well as FIGS. 16A-16B, and17A, 17B, 17C, 17D;

FIGS. 18A-18B show adaptation structures according to the invention,with front and rear portions having different heights;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C show the adaptation structures according to theinvention, with front and rear portions capable of being inclined, alongat least one direction;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C show another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 21A, 21B show an alternative of the fastening assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the invention described here relate more specificallyto boots for the practice of cross-country skiing, ski touring, telemarkskiing, or snowshoeing. However, the invention applies to other fields,such as ice skating or roller skating, for example. In the case of aski, the latter can possibly be provided with rollers, such as therollers 230, 231, which are shown in FIG. 15A1.

In the following description, reference is made to a ski boot having astructure of various types. According to an example, this structure maybe identical or similar to that already described with reference to FIG.1, except for the portion located under the upper and turned toward theskis.

The structure of FIG. 1 comprises a boot 1, a ski 2, and a device 3 forretaining the boot on the ski:

-   -   the boot 1 comprises an outer sole assembly, or outer base 12,        and an upper 13, these two elements being assembled for example        with glue, rivets, or screws, or they can be at least partially        integrated into the same element, which may be molded, for        example, in a thermoplastic or composite material. The base 12        may include one, two, or more portions. The boot 1 extends        lengthwise, from a rear end, or heel 14, to a front end, or tip        15, and a widthwise, between a lateral side 16 and medial side        17. The base 12 also extends lengthwise, from the heel 14 to the        tip 15, and widthwise, between the lateral side 16 and medial        side 17,    -   the upper 13 comprises a lower portion 20, provided to surround        the foot, and possibly a top portion 21, provided to surround        the ankle and even extend above the ankle. The upper may        comprise only the lower portion,    -   a fastening element 25 is provided to cooperate with the        retaining device 3, in particular the locking mechanism 5,        itself adapted to be affixed to the ski 2, and possibly with an        elastic return mechanism 6,    -   the retaining device 3 comprises a base 4 carrying a reversible        locking mechanism 5, possibly an elastic return mechanism 6 and,        in the example shown in FIG. 1, a longitudinal guiding rib 7,        the locking mechanism 5, the possible return mechanism 6 and the        guiding rib 7 can be affixed to the base 4.

The invention also applies to other types of boots, especially the typesof boots shown in FIGS. 14A-H, or to other types of bindings.

Thus, the boot of FIG. 14A comprises a removable front end piece 220 anda cradle 214 which, in particular, serves as the base 120 and thestiffener. The stiffener is an outer subdivision of the boot. In anon-limiting fashion, the end piece 220 has the appearance of aremovable and/or adjustable shell, making it possible to adapt the bootto the size of the user. The user slips a liner 215 or a boot into thisassembly, in which the user's foot is inserted. The end piece is fittedon the cradle, to which it can then be fixed, for example with rivets,screws, or glue. This end piece can be made of a plastic and/orcomposite material, and/or a flexible, textile or synthetic material.

In an alternative embodiment, according to FIG. 14B, the outer stiffeneris also removable: similar end piece, it is adapted to be fixed on abase or flexion blade 120 (as explained below), and it can bedisassembled therefrom. The blade itself then constitutes most of thebase.

The boot of FIG. 14C is similar to that of FIG. 14A, but has aperforated cradle 214. This reduces the mass of the boot, and thereforeits mechanical inertia.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14D, the end-piece 220, thecradle 214, and the base 120 form a unitary, single-piece element. Thishas the advantage of simplicity.

In FIG. 14E, the boot has no end-piece, but only a base 120 and a rearcradle 324, which form a unitary, single-piece element. This embodimentpromotes reversible bending of the base 120 forward, and in the area ofthe metatarsus of a foot.

In FIG. 14F, the boot does not have an end-piece, but includes the base120 and the rear cradle 214, which are two separate elements assembledto one another by any suitable expedient.

In FIG. 14G, the boot comprises a base 120, but does not include anend-piece or a cradle. The boot also includes a high upper 13, removablyor permanently affixed to the base 120 by any suitable expedient. Thehigh upper is well-suited to the skating step technique of skiing, forwhich the user exerts lateral thrust with the legs.

In FIG. 14H, alternatively, the upper of the boot is a low upper, whichis suitable for the alternate step technique of skiing.

More typically, the boot or footwear element according to the inventioncomprises a base, which is not necessarily glued against an upper.

In general, the base is adapted to receive, on one of its surfaces,either a boot, or structural elements of an upper, themselves adapted toreceive a boot or a liner in which the user's foot is inserted.

More particularly, the boot can be provided to include a base on which amounted upper is attached. For example, this latter comprises anenvelope for covering the foot and a lasting board adapted to close theenvelope beneath the foot, to the exclusion of any conventional soleassembly. The mounted upper is affixed to the base by means of a glue,for example, or any other appropriate expedient, it being known that, inthe prior art, in a very different approach, would have led to affixingthe mounted upper to a sole assembly.

According to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 14B, the base comprisesa longitudinal flexion blade, a removable cradle, and a removableend-piece. This means that the flexion blade, the cradle, and theend-piece are elements assembled to one another to form the base. Inother words, these elements, in this case, do not form a unitary,single-piece element.

The base has another surface that is generally facing the ground or theapparatus (e.g., the ski) and has the function of interfacing with theadaptation structure described below.

Such adaptation structure 25, 140 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Hereagain, the base 12 extends depth-wise, between an outer surface 18 and aconnecting surface 19. The outer surface 18 is adapted to be turnedtoward the ground, the retaining device 3, or the ski 2.

The connecting surface 19 serves to affix the base 12 to the remainderof the boot, for example by gluing (but other methods of affixing orfixing are possible, as explained above).

According an embodiment, the adaptation structure comprises a frontfastening element 25 including a first longitudinal bar 31 and a secondlongitudinal bar 32, both provided to be supported on the base 12. Thebase may also be designated by the reference numeral 120. The first bar31 extends longitudinally from a first end 33 to a second end 34, andthe second bar 32 extends longitudinally from a first end 35 to a secondend 36. For example, the first ends 33, 35 and second ends 34, 36 of thebars are provided to be transversely opposite one another, respectively.

Each bar 31, 32 comprises one or more synthetic materials, such asplastic, rubber, or the like, for example.

Each of the bars is provided with at least one possibly through opening47 ₁, 47 ₂, 47 ₃, 47 ₄, for example; possibly two through holes, each ofwhich may be threaded to receive a screw 47 adapted to cooperate with athreaded opening 48 ₁, 48 ₂, 48 ₃, 48 ₄ of the base. Alternatively, athreaded insert can be provided in the base, but also a reverseembodiment, with an internal screw thread or a threaded insert in thefront or rear adaptation structure, is within the scope of theinvention.

Positioning studs 43, 44, for example beneath each bar 31, 32, canfurther cooperate with corresponding openings 45, 46 of the base. Eachstud and the corresponding opening can have a circular cross section.

The two longitudinal bars 31, 32 described may not be connected to oneanother otherwise than by the connector rods or pins 26, 27. Variationsare shown schematically in FIGS. 3C, 3D, in which the bars may then beconnected to one another by a portion 305, 305′ made of the samematerial as the bars, this portion extending either to a limited extentin relation to the length Lb of the bars 31, 32 (in the case of FIG.3C), or over the entirety of this length (in the case of FIG. 3D). Thebars and the portion can form a unitary, single-piece element.

FIGS. 3A, 3B also show a removable heel 140 comprising a firstlongitudinal bar 310 and a second longitudinal bar 320, connected by abridge made in the form of a flat zone 315, for example, set back inrelation to the outer surface of the heel, in order to cooperate withthe single rail of a ski or of the retaining device, for example of theSNS® type. This assembly is adapted to take support on the outer base12. The first bar 310 extends longitudinally from a first end 330 to asecond end 340, and the second bar 320 extends longitudinally from afirst end 350 to a second end 360. For example, the first ends 330, 350and second ends 340, 360 of these bars are provided to be transverselyopposite one another, respectively. A heel is shown here, in which thetwo longitudinal bars 310, 320 are connected along their entire lengthby a flat zone 315. However, this zone may be further reduced inrelation to the length of the heel.

Each bar 310, 320 is comprised of one or more synthetic materials, suchas plastic, rubber, or the like.

In general, the outer surface of these bars, adapted to come intocontact with the apparatus or with means forming one or more contactinterfaces, can be planar and homogeneous, or can comprise notches, suchas illustrated in FIG. 5 or 7B, for example.

Structure is provided for positioning the heel fixedly, but removably,in relation to the base.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, each of the bars is provided with atleast one possibly through opening 470 ₁, 470 ₂, 470 ₃, 470 ₄, forexample two openings, each of which can be threaded to receive a screw470 adapted to cooperate with a threaded opening 480 ₁, 480 ₂, 48 ₃, 480₄ of the base. Alternatively, a threaded insert can be provided in thebase, but also a reverse embodiment, with an internal screw thread or athreaded insert in the front or rear adaptation structure.

Positioning studs 430, 440, for example one beneath each bar 31, 32, canfurther cooperate with corresponding openings 450, 460 of the base. Eachstud and the corresponding opening can have a circular cross-section.

The example shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B comprises two connector rods orpins 26, 27 in the front portion of the adaptation structure. However,in this example, as in the other examples described below, a singleconnector rod or pin can also be provided.

Fastening structure of a different form can also be provided, which isnot necessarily a pivot-type connection with the retaining device, butmay be a non-rotatable mechanical connection.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 (in which the removableelements are the same as those of FIGS. 3A and 3B), the openings of thebase 12 can be doubled to make it possible to adapt the position of theheel and/or the front portion.

Thus, FIG. 4 shows additional openings 48′₁, 48′₂, 48′₃, 48′₄, eachshown slightly behind one of the openings 48 ₁, 48 ₂, 48 ₃, 48 ₄. Thesame goes for the openings 45, 45′, 46, 46′ adapted to receive the studs43, 44. The set of additional openings defines a second possibleposition of the screws and studs of the removable element 25, which canthus be moved forward or backward on the base, as appropriate. A numberof positions greater than two, for example three, may be provided. Adiscrete longitudinal adjustment with two, three, or any number oflongitudinal positions, may be carried out.

Similarly, FIG. 4 shows additional openings 480′₁, 480′₂, 480′₃, 480′₄,each shown slightly behind one of the openings 480 ₁, 480 ₂, 480 ₃, 480₄. The same goes for the openings 450, 450′, 460, 460′ adapted toreceive the studs 430, 440. The set of additional openings thus definesa second possible position of the screws and the studs of the removableheel, which can thus also be moved forward or backward on the base, asappropriate. A number of positions greater than two, for example three,can be provided. A discrete longitudinal adjustment with two, three, orany number of longitudinal positions, may be carried out.

Another embodiment of the structure for fastening the removable portionsis shown in FIG. 5. It is provided for a continuous adjustment, thedisplacement of the front and rear elements being longitudinal, whichincreases the possibilities of adjustment of the position of the frontand rear elements. For example, at least two parallel rails 92, 94, 96,97 are provided on the base to cooperate with the two slides of thefront element 25, which may be formed beneath the first longitudinal bar31 and the second longitudinal bar 32, on the side adapted to be turnedtowards the base.

In a plane perpendicular to the surface of the base, and perpendicularto the direction of elongation of the base, each rail has asubstantially inverted “L” configuration, comprising a bodyperpendicular to the base, and a horizontal portion enabling the element25 to slide on the rail, on one hand, and to retain the latter withrespect to the base, on the other hand. In the illustrated embodiment,the horizontal bar of the inverted “L” is directed outward of the boot.

Each rail itself may be made of two portions 92, 94 and, for the secondrail, 96, 97. These two portions are arranged longitudinally in theextension of one another, separated by a zone or surface 121, set backin relation to the outer surface of the rails turned toward the sideopposite the upper. This zone or surface 121 can be merged with theouter surface 18 of the base (which has the advantage of a lesser effecton the flexibility of the base). One or more screw-threaded openings109, 110 are provided in this zone or surface 121. Alternatively, avariation may be provided, in which the hole is a through opening, suchas a slot. Each of the longitudinal bars 31, 32 is itself provided withan adjustment slot 107, 108, in which a screw 105 may be inserted to bescrewed into one of the openings 109, 110. The slot extendslongitudinally along the corresponding bar, in order to slide theassembly along the rails 92, 94, 96, 97 without, in a particularembodiment, completely loosening the corresponding screw.

The rails 92, 94, 96, 97 cooperate with slots 101, 102 formed in thelongitudinal elements 31, 32. These slots open out on the ends or rearportions 34, 36, and possibly on the ends or front portions 33, 35 ofthe longitudinal elements 31, 32. To insert the element 25, the end ofthe slots, located on the rear end portions 34, 36 of the longitudinalelements 31, 32, is positioned, for example, so as to be opposite thefront portion of the rail elements 92, 96, and the element 25 is pulledin a rearward direction of the boot.

The same applies to the heel 140, the base comprising at least twoparallel rails 920, 940, 960, 970 provided to cooperate with two slidesof the heel, each slide being formed, for example, beneath the firstlongitudinal bar 310, or beneath the second longitudinal bar 320, on theside adapted to be turned toward the base, and, in a particularembodiment, in the extension of the inner surface of the zone 315 forconnecting the two bars.

Each rail may be made of two longitudinally elongated portion 920, 940and, for the second rail, 960, 970; the two portions being separated bya zone or surface 122, set back in relation to the outer surface of therails turned toward the side opposite the upper. This zone or surface122, for example planar, can be merged with the outer surface 18 of thebase. In this zone, for example planar, one or more screw-threadedopenings 1090, 1100 are provided. Each of the longitudinal bars 310, 320is itself provided with an adjustment slot 1070, 1080, in which a screw1050 can be inserted in order to be screwed into one of the openings1090, 1100. The slot extends longitudinally in order to slide theassembly along the rails 920, 970 without, in a particular embodiment,without completely loosening the corresponding screw.

The rails 920, 940, 960, 970 cooperate with the slots 1010, 1020, formedin the heel. These slots open out on the front portion, and possibly therear portion of the heel. To insert the heel, the end of the slots,located on the front portion of the heel, is positioned, for example tobe opposite the rear portion of the rail elements 940, 970, and the heelis pulled in the forward direction of the boot.

The movable elements, that is to say, the front and rear adaptationstructures, are retained against the base, for example by screws or snap-fasteners.

In a particular embodiment, the surfaces in contact with one another,that is to say, the surface 18 and the surfaces of the longitudinalelements 31, 32 facing the base, further have coefficients of frictionsuch that the retention of these two surfaces is reinforced by anfriction effect with respect to one another during use. This effect canbe achieved by the surface state of the two surfaces in contact with oneanother and/or by a particular particle size of the constituent materialof these surfaces.

In a plane perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the base,each rail has a substantially inverted “L” configuration, as has beendescribed above, and with the same advantages.

Another embodiment of the structure for fixing the removable portions isshown in FIG. 6, provided for adjustment in two dimensions in the planeof the base. Such an adjustment is carried out continuously, in aparticular embodiment, but alternatively also depending upon asuccession of discrete positions. The displacement of the front and rearelements then occurs along the longitudinal direction of the boot and/oralong a direction perpendicular to this longitudinal direction, therebyincreasing the possibilities of adjustment of the position of the frontand rear elements. For example, two parallel slots 82, 87 are formed inthe front portion of the base, along the longitudinal direction of theboot, and two parallel slots 820, 870 are formed in the rear portion ofthe base, also along the longitudinal direction of the boot. Slots 83,88 (in the front portion 25) and 830, 880 (in the heel-forming portion140), respectively, are provided in each of the two removable portions25, 140, such slots being mutually parallel and perpendicular to theslots provided in the base. The removable elements are fixed against thebase by screws, and/or expedients such as stop notches, or screw-nuttype elements, or by any mechanism for locking the removable elementsinto a position selected by the user and for unlocking them to changethis position or to remove the removable elements.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, one or more positional referencemarks may be provided to enable a user to laterally and/or transverselyidentify a specific setting, for example a suitable setting for a giventype of boot. Thus, a lateral adjustment scale RE is shown in FIG. 5,provided in or on the surface 18, parallel to the direction of insertionof the longitudinal bars. A transverse adjustment scale Et is shown inFIG. 6, provided in or on the surface 18, perpendicular to the directionof insertion of the longitudinal bars. One or more positional referencemarks may be present to locate the position of the front portion of theadaptation element (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) and/or the rear portionof the adaptation element.

The various exemplary embodiments given described above with referenceto FIGS. 3A-6 are intended for use with a particular type of ski, fromthe SNS® family, with a single-piece rail 7 (or guiding rib).

To enable the same boot to be used with the other family, the previouslydescribed elements 25, 140 are replaced with corresponding elements,adapted to the other family.

Indeed, a removable heel and a removable fastening element can also bestructured to cooperate with the two ribs of a retaining device from theNNN® type. These two ribs form longitudinal guiding elements, at leastin the portion with which the heel comes into contact.

A heel 140 of this type is shown in FIG. 7A. It comprises a firstlongitudinal bar 310, a second longitudinal bar 320, and a thirdlongitudinal bar 333, arranged between the first longitudinal bar andthe second longitudinal bar, and separated therefrom, by a firstlongitudinal groove 131 and a second longitudinal groove 132,respectively. These grooves are provided to cooperate with the rails ofa retaining device from the NNN® family.

Structures are provided for positioning the heel fixedly, but removably,in relation to the base. They may be of the same type as that describedabove with reference to FIG. 3A, in which one or more possibly throughholes 470 ₁, 470 ₂, 470 ₃, 470 ₄, possibly threaded, made, for example,in the longitudinal bars 310 and 320. Possibly, positioning studs 430,440 can further cooperate with corresponding openings 450, 460 of thebase, as has been described above. Here again, each stud and thecorresponding opening may have a circular cross section. Alternatively,the structure for positioning the heel fixedly but removably in relationto the base can be of the same type as that described above withreference to one of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

The corresponding front portion 25 is shown in FIG. 7B. A singleconnector rod or pin 26 is positioned in the front position. The frontportion comprises a first longitudinal bar 31, a second longitudinal bar32, and a third longitudinal bar 37 arranged between the firstlongitudinal bar and the second longitudinal bar, and separatedtherefrom by a first longitudinal groove 31′ and a second longitudinalgroove 32′, respectively. These grooves are provided to cooperate withthe rails of a retaining device from the NNN® type. Structures areprovided for positioning the front portion fixedly but removably inrelation to the base. They may be of the same type as that describedabove with reference to FIG. 3A, or one of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

Each of FIGS. 8A and 8B shows a rear view of the boot, on which theremovable heel 140 is mounted. Clearly shown is the structuraldifference that enables each of these heels to be adapted to aparticular type of ski. FIGS. 8C and 8D are front views which correspondto FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively, showing the elements already describedabove.

Elements of the type shown and described above with reference to FIGS.7A-7B, adapted to the NNN® family, can be adapted to the various bindingstructures that have been described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-6,thereby possibly providing them with discrete (FIG. 4) or continuous(FIGS. 5 and 6) adjustability.

The above embodiments are provided for direct attachment to the base.

According to another embodiment, a base 200 receives a liner and/or anupper and/or structural elements of a boot upper, as shown in FIG. 9.The reference numeral 210 designates a collar provided with a strap 211for retaining the boot. This strap can be opened or closed using meanssuch as hook and loop surfaces, for example. On the side of the heel,the base 200 is provided with two substantially vertical walls 201(lateral wall) and 203 (medial wall), which make it possible to retainthe rear portion of the upper and, more particularly, to block possibletwisting of the foot. These two vertical walls may be separate or,conversely, extended at the rear by a portion (rear bridge) which joinsthe rear portions of the walls 201, 203 of the boot toward the rear,substantially following the shape of the rear portion of the upper. Thewalls 201, 203, may extend, along the longitudinal direction of thefoot, over a length L which can reach, for example, 70% or 75% of thelength of the boot (from the rear end of the boot) or of the totallength of the base 200, which substantially corresponds to the positionof the metatarsals. When the boot or the liner is inserted into thisbase, two openings 202, 204 make it possible to insert fasteners such asrivets or screws, which cooperate with corresponding openings of theboot and corresponding openings of the collar 210 to retain the assemblyor to help to retain the assembly. A strap 211′ for retaining the upperon the base may also be present in the front portion of the base; thisstrap can be opened or closed using means such as hook and loopsurfaces, for example. The upper can also be retained in, or on, thebase by glue, screws, or rivets.

The front and rear removable portions, described above, can then befixed to the outer surface of the base 200, with means identical orsimilar to those mentioned above, in particular screws, and possiblypositioning studs. The blade is itself provided with correspondingopenings, some of which may be threaded for cooperation with thecorresponding screws.

FIGS. 10A-10B show the various structures for retaining the elements 25,140, described above, but in relation to a base 200 of which the loweror outer surface 18 facing the apparatus or the ground becomes the base12 described above (the latter thus forming the main portion of thebase). More detailed explanations have already been given above withreference to FIGS. 4-6. Here again, elements 25, 140 provided for theNNN® family or for the SNS® family, or for any other family or devicefor retention to the apparatus, can be provided.

In an alternative embodiment, the base does not include walls 201, 203,or a stiffener, and therefore forms a surface substantially planar orextending in two dimensions in the manner of a flexion blade, andadapted to be fixed, also removably, against a liner and/or an upperand/or structural elements of an upper. This base or flexion blade thensubstantially has the form shown in FIGS. 3A-6, replacing the materialof the base described above in these drawing figures with the materialof the flexion blade. The front and rear portions of the adaptationstructure, described above with reference to these FIGS. 3A-6, are thenadapted to be fixed against this blade.

Two removable portions forming two separate elements have been describedabove.

In an alternative embodiment, however, a single element can be made,adapted to be applied against the base or the flexion blade; such anelement is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. These figures show that thestructures for retaining the two portions 25, 140 in relation to thebase 12, or the base 200, are the same as those described above withreference to FIG. 3A. The two portions 25, 140 are connected to oneanother by a base or flexion blade 120, which has flexibility toaccompany the movement of the user. This assembly is compatible with amode of binding to one position on the base, as in FIG. 3A, or to two ormore discrete positions, as in FIG. 4. A method of binding withcontinuous positional adjustment, although not shown, can also beprovided. The base is made, for example, of a metallic and/or compositeand/or plastic material and/or a material comprising plant fibers.

As shown in FIG. 12, an assembly can also be made, comprising twoelements 25, 140 of the type shown in FIG. 5, also connected by a base120, the assembly being capable of being used in cooperation with a baseof the type shown in FIG. 5.

Similarly, the two portions 140, 25 of FIG. 6 can be connected by a basein order to form a unitary, single-piece element.

In the various alternative embodiment which have just been described,the connecting element 120 has a forward extension, which is limited inorder not to impede the connector rods or pins 26, 27 adapted tocooperate with the retaining device 3 (see FIG. 1).

Each of these different single-piece alternatives can be fixed to a base12, as described above.

The base of FIG. 9, like the base 12, has a certain longitudinalflexibility along a transverse axis of the boot. It can be flexed toaccompany movements of the foot. However, it may be necessary to adaptthis flexibility. This can be done by replacing the first base with asecond base with a different flexibility (more rigid or more flexiblethan the first). However, a base with adaptable/adjustable flexibilitycan also be provided.

To this end, the invention provides reinforcement structure such asinserts in the form of rods, for example, which can be inserted intoopenings extending longitudinally or angularly offset with respect tothe longitudinal direction, in the base, as shown in FIG. 13A, whichshows a base 200, and openings 219, 221 enabling reinforcements 222, 223to slide in the zones provided in the base itself to cooperate withthese reinforcements. These zones are in the extension of the openings219, 221. In one variation; such openings can be provided on the rearsurface. The longitudinal openings can be oriented along a longitudinaldirection Lo of the base, or can form, with this direction, an angle γwhose value ranges between 0° and 40°. In another variation, an opening224, on the front or rear surface, makes it possible to receive areinforcing element 225 having, in this case, the form of a rectangularplate, as shown in FIG. 13B. The plate, which may have any shape, mayalso be arranged either above or below the base 200. In anothervariation, a reinforcing member may be a plate or a blade 227, possiblyperforated, as shown in FIG. 13C, and adapted to be pressed against theupper or lower surface of the base, such as in the zone on which thefront portion (as in FIG. 13C) or the rear portion of the adaptationstructure is to be fixed, or between these two zones, as designated bythe reference numeral 227′ in FIG. 13C. This reinforcing structure canbe adapted to such a blade, whether the latter is provided incombination with removable elements 25, 140, as described above, or withany other means for connection to the ski.

The connecting structure connecting the fastening element 25 to the base12, and the removable heel, both enable adaptation of the boot to anytype of ski.

In all of the embodiments that have been described, the front and rearelements to be fixed to the outer surface of the base are compatiblewith the NNN® family or the SNS® family.

However, the invention also relates to other retaining devices or othertypes of equipment.

For example, there can be n parallel ribs (n>2), instead of the two ribsof the device with which the elements of FIGS. 7A and 7B cooperate.

By way of another example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the front interfacezone of the retaining device may be provided with one or more transverseribs 70, 71, oriented perpendicular to the direction of extension of aski, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal axis. Possibly, the positionof these transverse ribs is adjustable along the direction of extensionof the ski. One or more other transverse ribs 72, 73 may be provided inthe rear interface zone. They form guiding structure. In this case, eachof the front and rear portions of the adaptation structure of the boothas a shape enabling it to cooperate with all these types of front orrear ribs, and all types of retaining devices (having a wire, two wires,or another type), respectively. Examples of adaptation structure areshown in FIG. 15B, which shows that each of them comprises, in its lowerportion adapted to be in contact with the retaining device, one or morerecesses 70′, 71′, 72′, 73′ whose shape corresponds to the front or rearribs, and which make it possible to at least partially receive the frontor rear ribs.

Another example is illustrated in FIG. 16A, in which the front interfacezone of the retaining device is provided with one or more studs 74, 75,oriented perpendicular to the surface of a ski. Here again, the positionof these studs can possibly be adjustable along the direction ofextension of the ski and/or along a direction perpendicular thereto. Oneor more studs 76, 77 may be in the rear interface zone of the ski,adapted to receive the heel of the boot or of the base. They formlongitudinal guide structure. The stud(s) has/have a substantiallycylindrical or frusto-conical shape, for example, but other geometricshapes are possible. Each of the front or rear portions of theadaptation structure has a shape enabling it to cooperate with the frontor rear stud(s), respectively. Examples of this adaptation structure isshown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, which show that each of them comprises, inits lower portion adapted to be in contact with the retaining device,one or more openings 74′, 75′, 76′, 77′ whose shape corresponds to thefront and rear studs, and which make it possible to at least partiallyreceive these front or rear studs.

The embodiments described above can be combined. For example, the skimay comprise:

-   -   at least one transverse rib 70, 71, oriented perpendicular to        the direction of extension of the ski, in the front interface        zone adapted to receive the front portion of the boot; and    -   one or more studs 76, 77, oriented substantially perpendicularly        to the surface of the ski, in the rear interface zone adapted to        receive the rear portion of the boot.

Or the ski may comprise:

-   -   one or more longitudinal ribs, as shown in FIG. 1, in the front        interface zone adapted to receive the front portion of the boot;        and    -   at least one transverse rib, oriented perpendicular to the        direction of extension of the ski, in the rear interface zone        adapted to receive the rear portion of the boot.

In other words, the ski comprises:

-   -   a front interface zone adapted to receive the front portion of        the boot, this front interface zone being of a first type,        comprising one or more elements in elevation in relation to the        planar surface of the ski, having one or more first geometric        shapes; and    -   a rear interface zone adapted to receive the rear portion of the        boot, this rear interface zone being of a second type,        comprising one or more elements in elevation in relation to the        planar surface of the ski, having one or more second geometric        shapes, at least one of which is different from the one or more        first geometric shapes.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 17A, in which the ski does nothave any rib or stud in the zone adapted to receive a boot or a base. Inthis case, however, the boot is wide enough to comprise adaptationstructure, in the form of a slot or groove 79, 79′ extending along thedirection of extension of the boot, i.e., the longitudinal direction ofthe boot, as illustrated in FIGS. 17B to 17D. The groove 79, 79′ has awidth and/or a transverse profile at least equal to the width of theski.

When the boot is positioned on the ski, it extends beyond each sidethereof. Alternatively, front 25 and rear 140 adaptation structurecomprises, in the lower portion adapted to be in contact with the ski,an opening or groove 79, 79′ that can at least partially receive thecorresponding portion of the ski. Each groove 79, 79′ has a width and/ora transverse profile at least equal to the width of the apparatus.Attachment structure makes it possible to retain the adaptationstructures of FIGS. 17B-17D against the base. Thus, the openings 47 ₁-47₄ and 470 ₁-470 ₄ make it possible to insert screws, for example, forretention against the base.

In all of the cases described above, the front and rear elements to befixed to the outer surface of the base have substantially identicalheights.

However, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, different heights can also beprovided for these elements:

-   -   the front element having a first height h1 measured between the        two main surfaces of this element (the surface facing the base        and that facing the ski or the snowshoe);    -   the rear element having a second height h2, measured in the same        manner.

In most of the cases described above, the front and rear elements to befixed on the outer surface of the base are planar surfaces,substantially parallel to one another. However, non-parallel surfacescan be provided, along at least one direction, in order to adapt thepositioning on a device, such as a ski or snowshoe, to a particularmorphology of a user (e.g., to compensate for orientations of the knee)and/or to enable amplified or increased acceleration effects.

Thus, FIG. 19A shows an example of a front element whose outer surfaceis inclined by an angle value α1, in relation to the inner surface(adapted to come into contact with the base), from the lateral side(facing outward of the user during use) to the medial side (facinginward of the legs of the user during use).

FIG. 19B shows a rear element also having such a lateral inclination α1.

FIG. 19C shows an example of a front element, the outer surface of whichis inclined in relation to the inner surface (adapted to come intocontact with the base), from the rear to the front. Such element enablesa forward inclination of the user. However a reverse arrangement can beprovided, with an element that enables a rearward inclination of theuser.

A front or rear element may have an outer surface combining the twotypes of inclinations described above, and is inclined:

-   -   in relation to the inner surface (adapted to come into contact        with the base), from the lateral side (facing outward of the        user during use) to the medial side (facing inside of the legs        of the user during use); and    -   in relation to the inner surface (adapted to come into contact        with the base), from the rear to the front or vice versa. Such        an element enables forward or rearward inclination of the user.

It is to be understood that a user can choose the type of inclinationmost suitable for him/her, for physiological reasons and/or performance,and can adjust the element to the base in the mariner explained above.

In all of the cases described above, the adaptation structures comprisea front element and a rear element to be fixed to the outer surface ofthe base.

In certain cases, the adaptation structure may comprise a portion to befixed to the front of the base (reference will then once again be madeto a “front” portion), but it is not necessary to fix a rear portion, orheel, to the rear of the base; this is the case in which the fasteningelement of the front portion is sufficiently rigid to enable to latterto carry out, by itself, a function of guiding the apparatus.

This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 20A-20B. In these drawing figures thereference numerals designate elements that are identical or similar tothose described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B. No elements arefixed to the rear portion of the base. The assembly cooperates, forexample, with a ski illustrated in FIG. 20C, comprising a retainingdevice 3 and a support surface 700 for the rear portion of the base, orthe heel.

In all of the cases described above, the fastening means comprise one ortwo wires. However, as has been shown, other types of fastening meansmay be implemented, for example those of FIGS. 21A and 21B. In thesedrawing figures, a fastening device 60 comprises a fastening element 61affixed by any means, for example to the boot, as well as a lockingmechanism 62 also affixed by any means, for example to the apparatus.The fastening element 61 comprises a first finger 63 adapted to fit intoa notch 64 of the mechanism 62. The fastening element 61 also comprisesa second finger 65 provided to cooperate with a hook 66 of the mechanism62, the hook being movable against the action of an elastic means, notshown. Pressing with the boot on the ski causes the locking, whereasactuation of a release button 67, against the action of elastic means,releases the boot.

In any event, the positioning of the front portion or rear portion,respectively, of the adaptation means has a longitudinal extension thatcan go up to 30%, 35%, or 40% of the length of the base, measured fromthe rear or front end of the base, respectively.

The teaching described above in connection with a ski can be transposedto snowshoes.

In any case, the invention is made from materials and according totechnical implementation techniques known to one with ordinary skill inthe art. The front and rear portions of the adaptation means are madewith a reduced number (2-4) of molds, compared to the number (8-15) ofmolds used to produce all the sizes of the currently known boot soles.From an economic point of view, the advantage is considerable because aninvestment ranging between about 10 and 40 K

is required to make each mold.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments describedabove, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scopeof the claims that follow.

In particular, in certain cases, the first portion 25, or fasteningelement, to be fixed in a front zone of the base of the boot and thesecond portion 140, or fastening element, are provided not to be affixedto one another, or dissociated from one another, when neither one isfixed to the base of the boot.

Alternatively, in other cases, the first portion 25 to be fixed in afront zone of the base of the boot and the second rear portion 140 areprovided to be affixed to one another, when neither one is fixed to theboot.

According to these alternatives, the first portion 25 and second portion140 are connected by a flexible blade.

At least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner thatenables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure ofparticular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can bepracticed in the absence of any additional element or additionalstructure that is not specifically disclosed herein.

1. A boot structured and arranged for the practice of a sportingactivity using a gliding or rolling apparatus and a binding device forfastening a front end of the boot to the apparatus while the heel of theboot is free during movement of the boot, the boot comprising: a basehaving a front zone and a rear zone; adaptation structure comprising afirst portion to be fixed in relation to the front zone of the base ofthe boot, and a second portion to be fixed in a rear zone of the base ofthe boot; each of the first and second portions of the adaptationstructures being structured and arranged to be removably fixed inrelation to the base.
 2. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the firstportion and the second portion of the adaptation structure is notaffixed to or dissociated from one another when neither of the first andsecond portions is fixed to the base of the boot.
 3. A boot according toclaim 1, wherein: the first portion and the second portion of theadaptation structure is affixed to one another when neither one is fixedto the base of the boot.
 4. A boot according to claim 3, wherein: thefirst portion and the second portion are connected by a flexible blade.5. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: a first type of contactinterface has only a single longitudinal rib, each of the first andsecond portions of the adaptation structure comprising a longitudinalgroove structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of thesingle longitudinal rib.
 6. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: asecond type of contact interface has at least two longitudinal ribs,each of the first and second portions of the adaptation structurecomprising at least two longitudinal grooves; each of the grooves isstructured and arranged to receive at least a portion of one of thelongitudinal ribs.
 7. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: at least onecontact interface comprises at least one transverse rib and/or at leastone stud, the first portion or the second portion of the adaptationstructure comprising at least one transverse groove, or at least oneopening; each said groove or each said opening is structured andarranged to receive one of the at least one transverse rib or one of theat least one stud.
 8. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: at least onecontact interface comprises a surface of the gliding or rollingapparatus, the first portion or the second portion of the adaptationstructure comprising at least one longitudinal groove.
 9. A bootaccording to claim 8, wherein: each of the at least one longitudinalgroove has a width at least equal to a width of the gliding or rollingapparatus.
 10. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the front portionand rear portion of the adaptation structure having different heights.11. A boot structured and arranged for the practice of a sportingactivity using a gliding or rolling apparatus and a binding device forfastening a front end of the boot to the apparatus while the heel of theboot is free during movement of the boot, the boot comprising: a basehaving a front zone and a rear zone; adaptation structure structured andarranged to be removably fixed in relation to the front zone of the baseof the boot; the rear portion of the base being structured and arrangedto rest on a surface of a contact interface of the gliding or rollingapparatus.
 12. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the base isstructured and arranged to have flexibility along a longitudinal extentof the boot.
 13. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the basecomprises a flexion blade, the flexion blade having flexibility along alongitudinal extent of the boot; the boot further comprises structurefor fixing, against the blade, the adaptation structure.
 14. A bootaccording to claim 13, wherein: the flexion blade includes asubstantially flat extent extending from a front end to a rear end ofthe base and medial and lateral upstanding walls, or the flexion bladeincludes a substantially planar extent without medial and lateralupstanding walls.
 15. A boot according to claim 13, wherein: the flexionblade includes (1) a substantially flat extent extending from a frontend to a rear end of the base and medial and lateral upstanding walls,as well as an stiffener portion for supporting a rear of an upper of theboot, or (2) the flexion blade includes a substantially planar extentwithout medial and lateral upstanding walls;
 16. A boot according toclaim 13, further comprising: removable flexibility-varying structurestructured and arranged to vary flexibility of the base or flexionblade.
 17. A boot according to claim 16, wherein: theflexibility-varying structure comprises one or more inserts and/or oneor more rods and/or one or more plates or blades to be inserted into, oragainst, the base.
 18. A boot according to claim 1, further comprising:structure for fixing, using screws, slides, or snap-fasteners, theadaptation structure in relation to the base, in one position, or in aplurality of discrete or continuous positions.
 19. A boot according toclaim 1, wherein: the front portion and/or the rear portion of theadaptation structure includes a surface structured and arranged to comeinto contact with the base, forming a non-zero angle with an oppositesurface structured and arranged to come into contact with, or to beturned toward, the gliding or rolling apparatus.
 20. A boot according toclaim 1, wherein: the adaptation structure comprises first removablestructure to adapt the boot to a first type of contact interface of anapparatus, and second removable structure to adapt the boot to a secondtype of contact interface of an apparatus.
 21. A boot according to claim1, wherein: the boot is a shell-type of boot made of one, two, or threeportions;
 22. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the boot is ashell-type of boot made of one, two, or three portions; the boot furthercomprises a front and/or rear end-piece removable in relation to thebase.
 23. A boot according to claim 22, wherein; the positions of therespective portions are adjustable in relation to each other.
 24. A bootaccording to claim 1, wherein: a contact interface of the gliding orrolling apparatus comprises (1) the binding device for fastening a frontend of the boot, structured and arranged to cooperate with the front endof the boot, or (2) a surface of the gliding or rolling apparatus.